Battle of Plassey
- Short-term reasons:
- Misuse of Dastaks and illegal trade:
- By the 1750s 100,000 pounds was the quantum of private trade by EIC officials which was 50 times their annual salaries.
- EIC officials also sold Dastaks to non-EIC merchants.
- Nawab of Bengal lost a huge amount of revenue due to the misuse of Dastaks(that is tax/duty evasion).
- Private trade of EIC officials hurt the economic interest of EIC as well but EIC was unable to control it.
- Illegal trade- the Chater of EIC gave a monopoly to EIC over British trade will all territories to the east of cape of good hope and therefore trade with India by anyone other than EIC was illegal, for example, private trade of EIC officials and trade by non-EIC merchants from Britain.
- Interlopers were non-EIC British merchants who traded illegally in India.
- Free merchant trade was also illegal but artificially legalized as EIC allowed them to settle in EIC establishments if they agreed to act as middlemen between Indian merchants and EIC instead of directly trading with India, that is they sold Indian goods to EIC in India instead of exporting themself.
- Britain-France rivalry:
- EIC feared the french and was afraid of the french repeating their success in Carnatic
- Therefore EIC began adding fortifications in Calcutta in 1755 without the permission of Alivardi Khan.
- EIC officials also offered protection to fugitives from the nawab's court.
- Therefore EIC Challenged the sovereign authority of the nawab
- However, Alivardi Khan avoided conflict and followed diplomacy.
- Role of Siraj-ud-Daulah:
- He acted in haste and stopped all misuse of Dastaks, therefore hurting the private trade of EIC officials.
- When the British gave asylum to Krisha Ballabh(charged with fraud with Siraj) and EIC began a new fortification in Calcutta, Siraj acted.
- He took over a British factory in Qasim Bazar near Hooghly and attacked and captured Calcutta and renamed it, Ali Nagar.
- Also during this attack Black Hole tragedy in Calcutta, thereby 30 British men were killed due to suffocation because of overcrowding in a non-ventilated room.
- This created huge controversy among the British.
- Events:
- Robert Clive arrived with the army from Madras and then defeated Siraj, took back Calcutta, and signed the Treaty of Ali Nagar with Siraj which restored all privileges of EIC.
- Then the British defeated the french in Chandannagar and destroyed the Hugli port important for the french.
- Now Jagat Seth and Mir Jafar bribed EIC and Robert Clive so they replaced Siraj with Mir Jafar as Nawab(Mir Jafar was the war commander of the Bengal army).
- There was rivalry in the court between merchants, bankers, Zamindar, and nobles.
- Siraj was hated due to his disrespectful conduct and Indian merchants and bankers benefited greatly from their business with EIC.
- Mir Jafar ensured that the majority of the Bengal army did not fight in the battle of Plassey in 1757 when EIC attacked.
- Therefore Siraj was defeated easily by Robert Clive, Siraj ran away, later captured and killed.
Result/Significance of Battle of Plassey
- Now Mir Jafar was a puppet nawab of EIC.
- EIC's military domination of Bengal began, therefore beginning the political supremacy of EIC in India.
- Plassey plunder(1757-65):
- 275,000 pounds to the royal military for distribution to their members.
- 2.25 Crore rupees to EIC.
- Personal Jagir for Clive is worth 35,000 pounds per annum and 234,000 pounds in cash to him.
- From 1757-65, 2.5 Million pounds were taken by EIC as political gifts from the Nawab of Bengal.
- Change in the structure of EIC trade:
- Now gold was no more needed by Britain to buy Indian goods as Indian money was now used to buy Indian goods.
- Indian gold was used to buy Chinese goods and Indian gold was taken to Britain.
- Therefore from Gold outflow pre-1757, now there was gold and wealth inflow to Britain.
- Therefore drain of wealth from India began after 1757.
- This also led to a huge dip in Bengal revenue.
- Now rampant misuse of Dastaks and EIC officials made personal fortunes example Clive(Governor of Culcutta presidency).
- When Mir Jafar could not pay any more to EIC, he was replaced with his son-in-law Mir Qasim by the EIC.
Battle of Buxar, 1764
- Background:
- Mir Qasim was an efficient administrator and wanted independence from EIC control, therefore sifted his base from Murshidabad to Bihar to be physically away from the British.
- He gathered money and started building his army.
- To get the support of Indian merchants he abolished all taxes on domestic trade, therefore bringing parity between Indian merchants and British traders who did not pay any taxes when they did domestic trade, through their Indian agents called Gomutsahs.
- This hurt revenue of Bengal but Qasim wanted the support of Indian merchants.
- EIC did not like this streak of independence in Qasim, and thus defeated and replaced Qasim with Mir Jafar.
- Now Qasim escaped with wealth to Awadh and built an alliance with Suja-Ud-Dualah(Nawab of Awadh) and Shah Alam-II(Mughal emperor) who was in Awadh.
- Fugitive prince Shah Alam-II escaped Delhi due to fear of life from Imam-ul-Mulk, Wazir, and grandson of Nizam-ul-Mulk.
- He was also frustrated with Delhi court politics and wanted to build his kingdom in the east, that is Bengal which had stopped sending revenue to Delhi since Alivardi Khan.
- Shuja-Ud-Daulah agreed to a promise of 30 million rupees, Bihar and its treasury for Awadh(lack of modern nationalism).
- Reason for defeat:
- A tactical mistake by Shuja who followed an offensive strategy rather than a more appropriate defensive strategy of cutting off the supply lines of the EIC army in Buxar and he also ignored the advice of Qasim.
- Therefore Hector Munro emerged victorious and now EIC send Clive from London to India to negotiate the treaty of Allahabad.
- The treaty of Allahabad, 1765:
- EIC treated Shah Alam-II with respect as in he lay sovereignty of India and with him on their side, EIC could have greater influence in India.
- The Treaty of Allahabad was signed between Robert Clive of EIC and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula.
- EIC promised a tribute of 26 lakh rupees/ annum to the emperor(although never gave this help).
- EIC promised Shah Alam-II military help to recapture Delhi which was under Rohilla Afghans since 1761(although never helped recapture Delhi).
The topic of the next class: The treaty of Allahabad w.r.t Bengal.
Here are 40 multiple-choice questions based on the class notes you provided. Each question has more than one correct option. The answers are provided after each question.
1. What were the short-term reasons for the Battle of Plassey?
A) Misuse of Dastaks
B) Illegal trade
C) Britain-France rivalry
D) Role of Siraj-ud-Daulah
E) Events
Answer: A, B, C, D, E
2. What did EIC officials do in the context of the misuse of Dastaks and illegal trade?
A) They engaged in private trade
B) They sold Dastaks to non-EIC merchants
C) They evaded taxes and duties
D) They challenged the sovereign authority of the Nawab
Answer: A, B, C, D
3. Why did EIC fear the French in the context of the Battle of Plassey?
A) The French had been successful in Carnatic
B) The French were gaining control of Calcutta
C) The French posed a threat to EIC's interests in India
D) The French were allies of the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, C
4. Who acted in haste and stopped the misuse of Dastaks, thereby hurting the private trade of EIC officials?
A) Robert Clive
B) Alivardi Khan
C) Mir Jafar
D) Siraj-ud-Daulah
Answer: D
5. What event led to controversy among the British and escalated tensions between the British and Siraj-ud-Daulah?
A) The Battle of Plassey
B) The Black Hole tragedy in Calcutta
C) The Treaty of Ali Nagar
D) The defeat of the French in Chandannagar
Answer: B
6. Who defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah and signed the Treaty of Ali Nagar with him?
A) Alivardi Khan
B) Robert Clive
C) Mir Jafar
D) Hector Munro
Answer: B
7. What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became the puppet Nawab of Bengal
B) EIC's military domination of Bengal began
C) Plassey plunder resulted in huge financial gains for EIC officials
D) Gold and wealth inflow to Britain increased
Answer: A, B, C, D
8. What change occurred in the structure of EIC trade after the Battle of Plassey?
A) Gold was no longer needed by Britain to buy Indian goods
B) Indian money was used to buy Indian goods
C) Bengal revenue increased significantly
D) EIC officials made personal fortunes
Answer: A, B, D
9. What led to Mir Qasim's defeat and replacement by Mir Jafar?
A) Mir Qasim wanted independence from EIC control
B) Mir Qasim abolished taxes on domestic trade
C) EIC did not like Mir Qasim's streak of independence
D) Mir Qasim gathered money and built his army
Answer: A, C
10. Who formed an alliance with Mir Qasim against the EIC in the Battle of Buxar?
A) Shuja-Ud-Daulah
B) Shah Alam-II
C) Robert Clive
D) Hector Munro
Answer: A, B
11. What was a tactical mistake made
by Shuja-Ud-Daulah in the Battle of Buxar?
A) Offensive strategy instead of a defensive strategy
B) Ignoring the advice of Mir Qasim
C) Cutting off the supply lines of the EIC army
D) Seeking military help from Shah Alam-II
Answer: A, B
12. What treaty was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula after the Battle of Buxar?
A) Treaty of Plassey
B) Treaty of Allahabad
C) Treaty of Ali Nagar
D) Treaty of Chandannagar
Answer: B
13. What did the Treaty of Allahabad promise to Shah Alam-II?
A) Military help to recapture Delhi
B) A tribute of 26 lakh rupees per annum
C) EIC's respect for the sovereignty of India
D) Protection against Rohilla Afghans
Answer: A, B
14. What were the consequences of the Battle of Plassey and the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) EIC gained political supremacy in India
B) Drain of wealth from India began
C) Bengal revenue experienced a significant dip
D) Mir Qasim escaped to Awadh
Answer: A, B, C, D
15. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Plassey?
A) The British defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah
B) Mir Jafar became the puppet Nawab of Bengal
C) Siraj-ud-Daulah fled and was later captured and killed
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with the EIC against Siraj-ud-Daulah
Answer: A, B, C
16. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
17. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
18. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
19. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
20. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah
Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
21. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
22. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
23. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
24. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
25. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
26. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
27. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
28. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
29
. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
30. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
31. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
32. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
33. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
34. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
35. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
36. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
37. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qas
im formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
38. Which of the following statements are true about the Treaty of Allahabad?
A) It was signed between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula
B) EIC promised a tribute to Shah Alam-II
C) EIC promised military help to recapture Delhi
D) The treaty restored Mir Qasim as the Nawab of Bengal
Answer: A, B, C
39. Which of the following statements are true about the consequences of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar became a puppet Nawab of EIC
B) EIC gained military domination of Bengal
C) Plassey plunder resulted in financial gains for EIC officials
D) Drain of wealth from India began
Answer: A, B, C, D
40. Which of the following statements are true about the Battle of Buxar?
A) Mir Qasim was defeated and replaced by Mir Jafar
B) Shuja-Ud-Daulah followed an offensive strategy
C) Hector Munro emerged victorious
D) Mir Qasim formed an alliance with Shah Alam-II and Shuja-Ud-Daula
Answer: B, C, D
Here are two long-answer type questions based on the class notes:
Question 1:
Discuss the factors and events leading to the Battle of Plassey in 1757. What were the short-term reasons and the role of key individuals? Describe the outcome of the battle and its significance in the context of British East India Company's presence in India.
Answer 1:
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a significant event in Indian history. It was influenced by several factors and events. The short-term reasons leading to the battle included the misuse of Dastaks and illegal trade by the officials of the British East India Company (EIC). These officials engaged in private trade, which was fifty times their annual salaries. The EIC officials also sold Dastaks, allowing non-EIC merchants to evade taxes and causing a loss of revenue for the Nawab of Bengal. The illegal trade and the rivalry between Britain and France further complicated the situation.
The EIC, fearing French influence, started adding fortifications in Calcutta without the permission of Alivardi Khan, the Nawab of Bengal. They also provided protection to fugitives from the Nawab's court, challenging his authority. However, Alivardi Khan chose diplomacy over conflict. Siraj-ud-Daulah, who succeeded Alivardi Khan, acted swiftly to stop the misuse of Dastaks, hurting the private trade of the EIC officials. When the British provided asylum to a person charged with fraud against Siraj, and the EIC started fortifications in Calcutta, Siraj took aggressive action. He captured Calcutta and renamed it Ali Nagar, leading to the infamous Black Hole tragedy.
Robert Clive arrived with the army from Madras, defeated Siraj, and signed the Treaty of Ali Nagar, restoring the privileges of the EIC. The British further defeated the French in Chandannagar and gained control over the Hugli port. Jagat Seth and Mir Jafar, influential figures, bribed the EIC and Clive to replace Siraj with Mir Jafar as the puppet Nawab. This decision was driven by rivalry among merchants, bankers, zamindars, and nobles in the court. Mir Jafar ensured that the majority of the Bengal army did not fight in the Battle of Plassey, making it easier for the British to defeat Siraj.
The outcome of the Battle of Plassey was significant. Mir Jafar became the puppet Nawab of Bengal under the control of the EIC. This marked the beginning of EIC's military domination and political supremacy in Bengal and eventually in India. Plassey plunder resulted in immense financial gains for EIC officials and a drain of wealth from India. The structure of EIC trade changed, leading to the inflow of Indian wealth to Britain. Gold was no longer required to buy Indian goods as Indian money was used, causing a dip in Bengal's revenue. The battle also facilitated the rise of individuals like Robert Clive, who amassed personal fortunes. Overall, the Battle of Plassey set the stage for British control and exploitation in India.
Question 2:
Explain the events and significance of the Battle of Buxar in 1764. Discuss the background that led to the battle, the tactical mistake made, and the outcome in the form of the Treaty of Allahabad. Analyze the impact of the battle on the political landscape of India.
Answer 2:
The Battle of Buxar, which took place in 1764, had a significant impact on the political landscape of India. The battle was preceded by a series of events and had far-reaching consequences. The background to the Battle of Buxar can be traced back to Mir Qasim, who sought independence from
the control of the British East India Company (EIC). Mir Qasim, an efficient administrator, shifted his base from Murshidabad to Bihar to distance himself physically from the British.
Mir Qasim implemented policies aimed at gaining the support of Indian merchants, including the abolition of taxes on domestic trade. This move aimed to create parity between Indian merchants and British traders, who had enjoyed tax exemptions through their Indian agents called Gomutsahs. While this move benefited Indian merchants, it hurt the revenue of Bengal. The EIC, displeased with Mir Qasim's growing independence, defeated and replaced him with Mir Jafar.
Mir Qasim, along with Shah Alam-II (the Mughal emperor) and Shuja-Ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh), formed an alliance against the EIC. Shah Alam-II had escaped Delhi due to threats to his life and the political turmoil in the court. Shuja-Ud-Daula agreed to support Mir Qasim with a promise of wealth and control over Bihar.
However, the Battle of Buxar took a turn due to a tactical mistake made by Shuja-Ud-Daula. Instead of adopting a defensive strategy, Shuja pursued an offensive approach and disregarded the advice of Mir Qasim. This allowed Hector Munro, leading the EIC's forces, to emerge victorious. The defeat of the alliance led to the appointment of Robert Clive, who was sent from London to negotiate the Treaty of Allahabad.
The Treaty of Allahabad, signed in 1765 between Robert Clive and Shah Alam-II & Shuja-Ud-Daula, marked a significant turning point. The EIC treated Shah Alam-II with respect, acknowledging his sovereignty and leveraging his influence in India. As per the treaty, the EIC promised an annual tribute of 26 lakh rupees to the emperor, although they never fulfilled this commitment. The treaty also included a promise of military support to Shah Alam-II to recapture Delhi, which had been under the control of Rohilla Afghans since 1761.
The Battle of Buxar and the subsequent Treaty of Allahabad had profound implications for the political landscape of India. The EIC's dominance and influence increased significantly, solidifying their control over Bengal and expanding their reach across India. The battle weakened the Mughal Empire and further marginalized the position of the Nawabs. It marked another step in the process of British colonialism in India, paving the way for future British interventions and ultimately altering the course of Indian history.
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